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Ground Systems Power and Energy Laboratory

What is it?

The Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center opens their newest complex during a ceremony today at the U.S. Army Detroit Arsenal in Warren, Mich. The eight-labs-in-one Ground Systems Power and Energy Laboratory (GSPEL) offers numerous testing capabilities and an unmatched combination of resources in a single lab.The 30,000 square foot facility houses a Power and Energy Vehicle Environmental Lab (PEVEL), Air Filtration Lab, Calorimeter Lab, Thermal Management Lab, Power Lab, Fuel Cell Lab, Hybrid Electric Components Lab, and an Energy Storage Lab.

What has the Army done?

GSPELwill allow TARDEC engineers, technicians and scientists to provide the most advanced solutions to meet the next generation of power, energy and mobility issues. Designed with the capability to test combat vehicles of all sizes and purposes, the GSPEL is unlike anything else in the world. The eight-labs-in-one complex has unique research and testing capabilities.

The GSPEL will serve as the cornerstone of the Army's next generation of power, energy and mobility initiatives. GSPEL will serve as a single data point for TARDEC's overall energy strategy with the larger Energy Department and Department of Army strategy.

What continued efforts does the Army have planned for the future?

The GSPEL's centerpiece is the Power and Energy Vehicle Environmental Lab (PEVEL). One of the largest environmental chambers in the world, the PEVEL allows researchers to test new vehicle technologies in extreme hot and cold temperatures, and also in various wind, humidity and solar conditions.

GSPEL allows TARDEC, the Research Development and Engineering Command, and the Army Materiel Command to offer shared access to industry and academia to facilitate the exchange of information and ideas to develop emerging energy technologies and validate ground vehicle systems - collaborative research that could also help the Nation achieve energy security goals. The Army's best and brightest ground vehicle research scientists, engineers & technicians combined with GSPEL's unique facilities, will enable the Army to innovate tomorrow's energy solutions.

Why is this important to the Army?

GSPEL is open for business. Work done in the GSPEL labs will lead to innovations in energy efficient technologies that will benefit not only our Soldiers but also our nation, developing advanced technologies for tactical and non tactical ground vehicles that support our military forces at home and abroad will help establish operational energy security for America.

Resources:

U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC)
U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM)
U.S. Army Materiel Command
Army.mil: Energy news